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AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE DECLARES DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING AS WORKOUT WEDNESDAY

Participants in the new holiday have opportunity to win all-expense paid trip to Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2013) – Move over Black Friday and Cyber Monday – here comes Workout Wednesday. In an effort to help individuals combat some of the effects of holiday weight gain (and reinforce healthy lifestyle choices throughout the year), the American Council on Exercise (ACE) today launched a program to help steer the public toward a collective effort to get moving and engage in fitness activities on Nov. 27, the day before Thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many, and we want people to enjoy it by balancing their activity and nutrition just as they would outside of the holiday season,” said ACE CEO Scott Goudeseune. “That’s why, in addition to identifying ways to improve the nutrition content in Thanksgiving recipes, we’re also launching a national initiative to get people moving the day before.”

To inspire participation, ACE is hosting a photo contest on Twitter and Instagram beginning today. Everyone who uses the hashtag #ACEWorkoutWed alongside a photo of themselves participating in a fitness activity will be automatically entered to win prizes each week in November. On Workout Wednesday, Nov. 27, a grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to the ultra-luxury wellness and spa resort Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The prize, valued up to $5,000, includes a 3-night stay for two at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, airfare credit, the resort’s Endless Privileges benefits throughout the stay such as all food and beverage, 24-hour concierge service, a 20-minute spa treatment and more.

ACE has compiled a suite of resources to aid in practicing moderation during the holidays and workout ideas including:

“Imagine if people all joined together to get moving on Workout Wednesday like they do to visit shopping malls on Black Friday,” said ACE Healthcare Solutions Director Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD. “With the average Thanksgiving meal packing 3,000 calories, every healthy recipe tweak and physical activity counts.”

At ACEFitholiday.com, visitors can find an exercise library with thousands of moves for every body part and fitness level, workout videos led by ACE certified professionals, and the Find an ACE Pro tool, which helps users locate an ACE certified health and fitness professional in their area.